Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

Packing List For Trekking in Peru

Packing List For Trekking in Peru

5MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-08-10

Packing for a hiking trip can be tricky, especially for those with no prior experience of what they might need out on the trails or in the mountains. Knowing what to pack for trekking or knowing the right backpacking essentials for longer treks often comes from experience, which is where we at Valencia Travel can assist you! We recommend you do a little research on your own and check for the day-to-day temperatures and weather patterns and pack accordingly. This will save you a lot of space in your luggage and extra baggage fee from the airlines by being prudent and using a little bit of common sense. Here is some vital information about a hiking trip to Peru.

 

Trekking on your adventure vacation should be top of your list when you visit this impressive country. The trekking routes through The Andes o Peru are nothing short of phenomenal! However, apart from practicing trekking and gaining a better fitness level, one of the most important things to do before you depart on your Peru adventures is to decide what to pack!

Laguna Paron, Huaraz

Packing for Hiking: Day Hikes vs. Multi-Day Hikes

What is the difference between a day hike, a trek and a multi-day hike? Basically, the difference is that there are no overnight stays or camping involved. Multi-day hikes are longer trips that cover several days. You will be camping, usually in the middle of nowhere, so you will need extra camping, cooking gear, and a sleeping bag. If you book an organized trip, the tour operator will usually provide food, tents and other kits. So do check the inclusions before you finalize your list. 

 

While on your Peru tour packages will you be hiking a number of day treks, for example, Huchuy Qosqo or Humantay Trek? Alternatively, you may be hiking a multi-day Trek such as The Salkantay Trek or the iconic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu! It may be that you want to do both types of trekking! That is why the correct packing list is so important!

Day Hike

Navigation Equipment

  • Map
  • Compass
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Personal GPS Device
  • Personal Locator Beacon
  • Altimeter

 

During your Peru vacation packages, you may decide to go trekking on your own or with your Friends. Alternatively, you may decide to book an organized trek with a Peru Travel Agency if you are going off the beaten track. Whichever is your preferred trekking option you Will need to pack wisely. For example, if you plan an organized Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour, many items that you are thinking of bringing are already included!

Compass

Emergency Equipment

Consider taking these items if you are going independently, or check with your trekking company if these items are included. Take extra layers of clothing, plus extra food and water for emergencies.

First Aid Kit  (Simple and light)

 

  • Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
  • One skin-blister repair kit
  • Anti-diarrhoea pills
  • Anti-headache pills
  • Paracetamol
  • Cough and cold medicine
  • Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
  • Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
  • Throat lozenges
  • Water purification tablets or the water filter
  • 1 set of earplugs
  • Lip guard, sunscreen, eye drops
  • Extra pair of prescription glasses and contact lens supplies (if needed).
 
One of the first things you should pack for any Trek on your Peru holiday packages is a first aid kit. This is important for any unexpected events while trekking in The Andean region. This is due to the distances involved until you can seek medical treatment. Your guide also carries a first aid kit so concéntrate on your personal medications, band-aids, antiseptic cream/lotions bandages, and a splint!

First Aid

Hiking Essentials

  • Water
  • BPA Free Water Bottle
  • Camel Pack
  • Energy Bars
  • Sunscreen
  • SPF Lip Balm
  • Insect Repellent
  • toilet-tent
  • Toilet paper and Ziplock bag
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • One small roll of repair tape, one sewing-repair kit
  • One cigarette lighter, one small box of matches

 

A detailed packing list from the Machu Picchu tour company you are hiking with. They Will offer you a list of inclusions and also what you should bring with you. Items such as camera equipment chargers, batteries, etc are important to capture those unforgettable moments on your Peru vacation packages.

Basics

Toiletries

  • One medium-sized quick-drying towel
  • Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
  • Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
  • Small sachets of shampoo
  • Deodorants
  • Nail clippers
  • Face and body moisturizer
  • Female hygiene products
  • Small mirror

 

Hygiene products and keeping yourself clean on a trekking tour can be a challenge! There are often limited bathrooms or show opportunities along the Andean Treks. If you book a glamping tour when hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, they will provide a shower, and portable bathroom facilities so that you can look Good for your Machu Picchu photos!

Toiletries

What to Wear for Hiking?

What to wear on warm weather hikes from what to wear hiking in cold weather, but there are some everyday items worth adding to your clothing list. Layering is the first rule when hiking, especially in temperatures that vary dramatically during the day (and night). Adding layers means you can adjust your clothing accordingly and be prepared for most climates.

 

  • Hiking Trousers
  • Convertible Hiking Trousers/shorts
  • Hiking Leggings (for Women)
  • Hiking Shirts
  • Comfortable Hiking Boots
  • Hiking Sandals
  • Hiking Socks
  • Headwear (beanie and sun hat/cap).
  •  Sunglasses
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Thermal gloves
  • Fleece/Down Jacket
  • Thermal Underwear

 

One of the essential items to pack on a Peru Machu Picchu trip is comfortable hiking boots. Hiking and walking around is a common component of a Peru tour package so comfortable footwear is vital. If you plan a long trekking expedition make sure you have walking boots/shoes that give you ankle support and most of all, are comfortable.

Decent Walking Shoes

Important Documents 

  • Valid passport,
  • Separate photocopies of passport /visas /proof of insurance
  • Soles and US Dollars (in small denominations for bigger purchases for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and purchasing your own drinks and souvenirs
  • Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards 

 

One of the most important things to pack is the correct paperwork! Machu Picchu tour packages insist on your passport for entry into most sights on your Peru trip. This is especially so when hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu, entering Machu Picchu, and is also asked for at any of the hotels you will stay at! This is because the hotel avoids paying taxes on tourists who stay there :)

Documents

Hiking Luxury Items

While they may not be strictly necessary, taking along one or two luxury items can make your trek so much more enjoyable. Consider the following non-essential items.

  • GoPro camera, 
  • Binoculars
  • Hammock
  • Day pack
  • Day Pack Rain Cover
  • Hiking Poles

 

Capturing the moment on your Peru adventure tours is really important! A GoPro will capture that exciting adventure activity you plan to do in Peru so you can keep your hands free and concentrate on what you are doing!

GoPro

Packing for Multi-Day Hikes

A prolonged trekking trip lasting for a few days or longer may mean you must pack a sleeping bag, tent, cooking equipment, and more water and food. Pretty essential things for trekking anywhere in the world! If you are going on a multi-day trek with a decent operator, then many items are included in the tour – check beforehand!
You will usually need to hire a sleeping bag, and while porters may carry this, it may contribute to any overall weight limit that the porter is allowed to take, especially on The Inca Trail trek.

 

Remember that when you book a trekking tour with Valencia Travel, we provide high-end quality camping equipment to protect you from the elements. A tent, sleeping mat dining tent, portable toilet, and all the cooking equipment are always included on our vacation packages to Peru Machu Picchu.

Weather Appropriate Tents


The important thing is to be prepared, pack in a way that suits you, how much you want to carry, where you are going and how long. Ask us at Valencia Travel for the list of inclusions and exclusions to decide what is necessary for the trek and what, more importantly, is not! 

 

So, get ready lace up your hiking boots, and set off on a Peru adventure trip! Nothing is stopping you from having an exceptional experience trekking in The Andes! Happy travels on your Peru adventures!

Hiking!

Happy Trekking!

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